Tooth decay happens when bacteria in the mouth begin to build up in plaque, and start producing acids which attack the hard outer enamel layer of your teeth. This leads to cavities forming, and if not treated can eventually lead to the infection reaching the inner tooth.
Many of us can be complacent in thinking “tooth decay could never happen to me”. However, tooth decay can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. If you notice any signs of tooth decay, such as toothache, sensitivity, or you notice cavities forming, you should consult an experienced dentist straight away. If you put treatment off it can lead to far worse problems in the future which require more difficult and intensive procedures to treat.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, however, environmental factors such as diet are the more common cause. Here are some common issues that lead to tooth decay:
→ Consuming too many foods that are high in starch or sugar,
→ Eating in a way that causes plaque and tartar formation on the teeth,
→ Not brushing teeth regularly, not flossing, not using mouthwash, etc., leading to plaque formation,
→ Calcium and fluoride deficiency due to genetics,
→ Other genetic factors
How Do I Spot Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay can show up in the form of various symptoms, depending on the location, size, and depth of the cavity that has started to form. If it is a new cavity, there may not be any obvious symptoms yet, but as the decay increases, the symptoms will become more pronounced. These symptoms can include:
→ Increased tooth sensitivity,
→ Painful toothache,
→ Noticeable hole formation in the tooth,
→ Staining on the tooth surface,
→ Pain when biting and chewing,
→ Bad breath.
How Can Tooth Decay be Treated?
It is very important to act as fast as possible and consult a dentist immediately after you have noticed any signs of tooth decay. If cavities are treated earlier, this can avoid a number of problems from developing, such as persistent toothache, inflammation, tooth fracture, and chewing or feeding difficulties.
If tooth decay is in its early stages, it can be treated with a relatively simple and practical procedure, such as a simple filling. Fluoride varnish treatment can also be used to repair the tooth enamel, cure the decay before it progresses, and prevent it from happening again. In slightly more advanced cases of tooth decay, a dental crown can be applied. After the decay is completely cleaned away, the treatment is finalized by placing a dental porcelain crown on the remaining area.
Finally, if the tooth decay has reached an advanced stage, root canal treatment is usually the best option. This is where the entire root canal of the tooth is cleaned out and filled in again. Thanks to root canals, advanced cases of tooth decay can also be treated.
Things to Consider After Treatment for Tooth Decay
After being treated for cavities or advanced tooth decay, during a consultation your dentist will give you a rundown of the specific steps to follow following your procedure. However, here are some common tips which all people should follow after getting treatment for cavities or tooth decay:
→ In case of toothache during and after treatment, your dentist may prescribe you specific painkillers
→ Very hot and cold foods should be avoided immediately following treatment
→ In order to maintain oral and dental health, you should brush your teeth regularly with an appropriate brush and paste, and dental floss and mouthwash should be used.
→ Try to limit snacks between meals
→ Plan out and stick to a healthy diet, with limited amounts of sugary foods
→ Fluoride toothpaste should be used.
→ In case of calcium deficiency, calcium supplements should be taken.
→ After treatment, limit your intake of sugary, acidic, and caffeine-based food and drink, in order to prevent new cavities forming.
